Synthesis of ZnO/C dots as antibacterial dental bracket

Abstract

Demineralization brackets has caused serious problems in orthodontic techniques effect by increasing streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth. To overcome this problem, antibacterial brackets based on ZnO and carbon dots materials were made using spray coating-microwave irradiation methods which have environmentally friendly, non-toxic and low-cost. C-dots with variations power of microwave are 450 W and 540 W were successfully made with microwave time of 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Optical properties showed the highest absorbance owned by ZnO/C-dots at 15 minutes and power of 450 W. Data obtained in the form of absorbance graphs were then processed using the Tauch Plot method to determine the value of the energy band gap. The shift of light absorption of ZnO/C-dots towards the higher wavelength causes a decrease in the energy band gap of 3.16 eV from before ZnO value is 3.26 eV. Therefore, ZnO/C-dots is effectively used under visible light radiation. After modification with C-dots, the surface of the bracket shows a more rugged morphology, covered by a dense and uniform ZnO/C-dots layer which is useful for protecting brackets.